Tank Setup
- Tank size: 10 gallons for a group of 8–10
- Plants: Densely planted — CPDs are shy and need cover to feel secure. They display best behavior in heavily planted tanks with mosses, fine-leaved plants, and floating cover.
- Lighting: Moderate — subdued lighting brings out their sparkle
- Flow: Gentle — they come from calm, shallow pools
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C) — cooler than most tropicals
- pH: 6.5–7.5
- GH: 2–10 dGH
Behavior
Males are territorial and will display to each other with flared fins — this sparring is harmless and brings out their best colors. Keep more females than males (2:1 ratio) to spread out male attention. In heavily planted tanks, they scatter eggs regularly and may self-sustain a small population if fry have enough cover.
Tank Mates
Only with very small, peaceful species. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable. Ideal companions: cherry shrimp, ember tetras, pygmy corydoras, endlers, and snails. They are a perfect nano tank species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are CPDs hard to keep?
No — despite their exotic appearance, they are quite hardy once established. The main challenge is their shyness — in sparsely planted tanks or with boisterous tank mates, they hide constantly and lose color.